ERICA

Since my first encounter in 2008, moose have become a way to connect to kids while camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose Mamas gave me the opportunity to learn new things and empowered me to not be afraid to fail but rather learn and grow. 

When I came to Moose Mamas my prayer was, “God I need this to be good.” No need to make other expectations because I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. In hindsight my thought should have been no other expectations are needed because: God is good. God does good. God is faithful. 

Being chosen as an intern changed my life forever. 

The intimacy of caring for and raising the moose calves is an unexplainable experience. Every day I learned something new or got better at something I just learned. Dana gave me the chance to learn and pursue a dream I didn’t even know God put in my soul. Because while saving orphaned moose is the job, moose are a way to connect people and people change the world. 

Words will not do justice in describing the miracle moose magic of what Dana has created at Moose Mamas. I continue to be amazed at her talents, work ethic, determination, attitude, patience, generosity, and desire to put her protective instincts to preserve the majestic moose for everyone.  

One of the biggest takeaways was the new levels of love I learned I was capable of…for moose, for people, and for Alaska. Moose Mamas showed me the power of dreams, friendship, perseverance and hard work. I am thankful to be a part of the family. The late nights, early mornings, and physical labor became fuel for my love for the moose, the people, and the experiences that come from the platform they give.  

Moose Mamas was the last step in earning my masters in Outdoor and Adventure Sport. Never did I imagine the collision of my life with Moose Mamas to empower me to step out in faith and trust in God’s purpose beyond what I could see or plan for. In order to stay for release I quit my teaching job in Minnesota, and decided to relocate to Alaska with a new level of reliance on God, dreams for Moose Mamas, and trust in the next steps of whatever God has prepared for me. I am forever thankful for all I have learned from this internship experience- even the hard things because they have shown me who God is and who he created me to be.